Press Release: Treat your dad to a hands-on Short Course for Father’s Day

The chance to get hands-on and learn a new skill has to be one
of the more original gifts this Father's Day (Sunday 19 June). For
a unique gift treat your dad to a beginner's blacksmithing, stone
carving or wood carving one day taster course at West Dean College.
From the basic techniques to complex processes, with the expert
guidance of the college's tutors, students can develop traditional
skills. Courses run from one day to a week-long Summer School. The
college is set within the stunning South Downs and offers a
relaxing and unique atmosphere. B&B accommodation is available
and after a day in the workshops and studios, students can relax in
the bar or enjoy a walk in the award-winning gardens. The more
energetic can stride out on a two and a half mile walk through St.
Roche's Arboretum which offers stunning views of the South Downs.
The following are all one day or weekend courses.

Make a silver box or bowl with John Norgate.
Learn basic silversmithing skills and the working properties of
silver to make and finish a small bowl or box (2 July, £162,
beginners).

Sculpt small studies of the human form exploring the qualities
of wax. You will have an option to have one of your small works
cast at a bronze foundry. Sculptural sketching - wax
working from the figure with sculptor Jon Edgar (25 June,
£126, beginners).

Experience the rhythm of working hot steel using fire, hammering
and shaping at the anvil to make a small piece of work in the
college's forge. The Blacksmith's Craft with
metalworker and sculptor, Andrew Smith (2 July, £133,
beginners).

Work from direct observation at your own pace on a simple still
life as you learn how to structure an oil painting and build up
colour. Oil painting - a simple approach with
landscape painter landscape painter, Tom Benjamin (2 July, £127,
beginners).

Discover the essentials of woodcarving as you carve a simple
relief of a fish, fruit or other object in limewood.
Woodcarving with woodcarver, sculptor and author,
Peter Clothier (3 July, £112, beginners).

GIFT VOUCHERS

Treat your dad to a gift voucher for £10, £25, £50 or £100,
which can be used as full or part payment towards a short course.
Email bookingsoffice@westdean.org.uk.

SPECIAL OFFER

First time bookings are entitled to a 10% discount on the cost
of course fees (telephone bookings only) 01243 818300.

Wake up to beautiful views over the Sussex Downs in the stately
splendour of a country mansion. The bedrooms are a mixture of
contemporary and traditional styling. From £102 per person for two
nights (twin occupancy).

Notes to editors

West Dean College is part of The Edward James Foundation which
also comprises West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and the West
Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.

All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.

West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of
Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford,
Brighton and London.